Study of the carbon distribution in multi-phase steels using the NanoSIMS 50

An advanced understanding of phase transformation mechanisms and of microstructure/properties relationships in steels requires to investigate the distribution of carbon. The improvement of mechanical properties of these materials led to develop finer microstructures. Thus, the mean size of the constituents (austenite/austenite islands and bainite laths) of the high strength steels is under the micron. The small size combined in some case with …